Police Cadet

Summary

Cambridge Police Cadet Program

The Cambridge Police Cadet Program is an on-the-job training program for Cambridge young adults seeking a career in law enforcement. Cadets will rotate throughout the Department in various assignments, such as in the Commissioner's Office, Patrol Operations, and Support Services including specialized units throughout the Department as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of a superior officer, this position will be working out of the Training and Certification Unit in various assignments throughout the Department. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Classroom training on topics such as 21st Century policing, public safety and the Cambridge Police Department, Procedural & Social Justice, Basic First Aid, Crime Scene Services, and Crime Analysis
• Field assignments such as assisting with special events and community outreach engagement
• Administrative duties such as preparing reports, tabulation of facts and figures for statistical purposes, research projects
• Fitness and Health training
• Other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Current Cambridge resident aged 18-23 years old at the time of application
• High School Diploma or GED
• Cambridge residency for the last three (3) years
• Citizen of the United States
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License and good driving record
• Candidates must pass an extensive screening process including: interviews; drug testing; pre-employment medical and psychological examinations; physical abilities and fitness standards tests; extensive criminal background check including driving history; and successful performance during the Cadet training program (both academic and physical in nature).

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Preferred:

• Strong communication skills, verbal and written, and knowledge of Cambridge.

Cadets shall not carry firearms, nor have any power of arrest other than that of an ordinary citizen.

Physical Demands:

Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to answer phones, maintain multiple files, and be able to lift a minimum of at least 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors, and air conditioning. Moderate noise level.

Application Procedure:

• Interested applicants must first enroll and register for a competitive exam to be held at the Cambridge Police Department - exam date to be determined. There is no fee to take the exam, and no prior knowledge of law enforcement is necessary.

Registering for the Exam:

• Applicants should complete the attached registration form and provide the requested documentation by email to personnel@cambridgepolice.org, by 5pm on October 30, 2026.

Required Documents:

• Copy of Driver's License
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Citizenship
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, employer, mentor, etc.
• Three (3) contacts that are different from the letter of recommendation

Based on the examination results, an eligible list of candidates for the program will be created. The highest-scoring candidates will be contacted by the Police Department to move forward to the screening stage of the hiring process.

Job Description

Cambridge Police Cadet Program

The Cambridge Police Cadet Program is an on-the-job training program for Cambridge young adults seeking a career in law enforcement. Cadets will rotate throughout the Department in various assignments, such as in the Commissioner's Office, Patrol Operations, and Support Services including specialized units throughout the Department as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of a superior officer, this position will be working out of the Training and Certification Unit in various assignments throughout the Department. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Classroom training on topics such as 21st Century policing, public safety and the Cambridge Police Department, Procedural & Social Justice, Basic First Aid, Crime Scene Services, and Crime Analysis
• Field assignments such as assisting with special events and community outreach engagement
• Administrative duties such as preparing reports, tabulation of facts and figures for statistical purposes, research projects
• Fitness and Health training
• Other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Current Cambridge resident aged 18-23 years old at the time of application
• High School Diploma or GED
• Cambridge residency for the last three (3) years
• Citizen of the United States
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License and good driving record
• Candidates must pass an extensive screening process including: interviews; drug testing; pre-employment medical and psychological examinations; physical abilities and fitness standards tests; extensive criminal background check including driving history; and successful performance during the Cadet training program (both academic and physical in nature).

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Preferred:

• Strong communication skills, verbal and written, and knowledge of Cambridge.

Cadets shall not carry firearms, nor have any power of arrest other than that of an ordinary citizen.

Physical Demands:

Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to answer phones, maintain multiple files, and be able to lift a minimum of at least 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors, and air conditioning. Moderate noise level.

Application Procedure:

• Interested applicants must first enroll and register for a competitive exam to be held at the Cambridge Police Department - exam date to be determined. There is no fee to take the exam, and no prior knowledge of law enforcement is necessary.

Registering for the Exam:

• Applicants should complete the attached registration form and provide the requested documentation by email to personnel@cambridgepolice.org, by 5pm on October 30, 2026.

Required Documents:

• Copy of Driver's License
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Citizenship
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, employer, mentor, etc.
• Three (3) contacts that are different from the letter of recommendation

Based on the examination results, an eligible list of candidates for the program will be created. The highest-scoring candidates will be contacted by the Police Department to move forward to the screening stage of the hiring process.